Springfield Car Accident Lawyers

No Fees Until We Win for You

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can feel like an uphill battle, leaving you to figure out how to pay for medical treatments and file insurance claims, and on top of it all, you’re missing work while you try to recover from your injuries. 

At this critical juncture, the car accident lawyers in Springfield, MA at Carter Mario Law Firm are ready to stand by your side and ensure you’re supported in your journey toward justice and recovery. With over three decades in legal practice, the Springfield car accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm have become a beacon of hope for individuals affected by motor vehicle accidents.

Our track record of recovering over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients stands as a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice. Coupled with our Zero-Fee Warranty, our lawyers’ commitment is clear: we provide exceptional legal representation while you focus on healing without the stress of upfront legal fees.

We also represent clients injured in truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and those pursuing personal injury claims.

Carter Mario Law Firm Has 30+ Years Experience in Car Accident Cases

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Massachusetts, you need expert legal representation that you can trust. The lawyers at Carter Mario Law Firm stand out with over 30 years of dedicated experience in car accident and personal injury litigation. 

What to Do Following a Car Accident in Massachusetts

After a car accident in Massachusetts, prioritizing your health and safety is crucial. Immediate medical attention is essential, not just for your well-being, but also to document your injuries, which can be vital for any subsequent legal claim. Following these steps can significantly impact the outcome of your potential car accident claim:

• Seek immediate medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, underlying issues may not be immediately apparent. You do not want to delay treatment that might prolong your recovery timeline. 

• Call the police: A formal police report provides an official account of the accident, which is invaluable for legal and insurance purposes.

• Document the scene: Take photographs of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, and the overall accident scene.

• Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details from the other driver and any potential witnesses.

• Contact a car accident lawyer: Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer early on can help to handle your claim and protect your rights.

Most Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of personal injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent following the incident. Understanding the most common injuries can help you gauge the seriousness of your situation and rationalize the necessity of seeking medical attention, even if the symptoms seem mild initially. 

Here’s a look at the most frequent injuries drivers and passengers might suffer in a car accident:

• Whiplash
• Concussions or other Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Lacerations and Bruises
• Back or Spine Injuries
• Internal Injuries
• Emotional Trauma

Types of Car Accidents Commonly Seen in Massachusetts

Our seasoned car accident lawyers have represented victims of various types of accidents, including distracted driving, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they are entitled to. Here’s an insight into the common types of car accidents we encounter and how we approach each case:

• Drunk Driving Accidents: Victims hit by intoxicated drivers are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries or pursue wrongful death claims for lost loved ones.

• Commercial Truck Accidents: These accidents often involve more severe injuries and substantial insurance policies, leading insurers to vigorously defend against claims and victims to endure long roads toward recovery.

• Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft): Ridesharing incidents can be complex, with unique issues surrounding first and third-party liability.

• Motorcycle Collisions: Motorcyclists are provided less structural protection on the road than those driving larger vehicles. When they are injured due to others’ negligence, they deserve compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

• Hit-and-run Accidents: Victims of hit-and-run incidents can pursue damages through their uninsured motorist coverage, even if the at-fault driver is unidentifiable.

Proving Liability in a Car Accident in Springfield, MA

Establishing liability in a Springfield car accident is essential in securing rightful compensation. It involves demonstrating that the accident directly resulted in your injuries. This often means preparing to present detailed evidence, including medical bills, medical records, and, in cases of severe injuries, expert testimony to substantiate the extent and cause of your injuries.

If the matter progresses to court, your testimony, alongside the documented evidence, becomes pivotal. The car accident attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm are adept at assembling a compelling case, leveraging all available evidence to ensure your rights are fully advocated for and that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Motor Vehicle Accident Laws In Massachusetts 

Understanding Massachusetts’ specific car accident laws is essential for determining how compensation is pursued and what parties may be liable for damages. Familiarity with these laws is essential for anyone involved in a car accident in the state, as they influence the overall approach to insurance claims and legal recourse.

No-Fault Car Insurance Claims

Massachusetts operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, your own car insurance pays for your medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to streamline the compensation process, but it also comes with limitations. 

For instance, you can only pursue personal injury claims against the other driver under specific conditions, such as incurring medical expenses over a certain threshold or suffering from severe injuries. Understanding the nuances of no-fault claims is crucial to receiving all of the benefits you’re entitled to, while also evaluating whether you can step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation. Having a seasoned attorney to help guide you through this process is crucial. 

Car Insurance Coverage Requirements

In line with Massachusetts laws, drivers must maintain certain minimum levels of car insurance coverage. This includes protection against bodily injury to others, personal injury protection (PIP), and coverage against uninsured motorists.

The exact requirements are designed to ensure that, in the event of a car accident, there is a financial safety net to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. 

However, the minimum coverage may not always be sufficient to cover all damages in a serious accident. This is why understanding these requirements and possibly opting for additional coverage is vital for comprehensive protection. Additionally, being aware of your policy’s specifics — including any limitations or exclusions — can significantly impact your ability to claim and receive adequate compensation after an accident.

Compensation for Springfield Motor Vehicle Collisions

Following a motor vehicle collision in Springfield, it’s important to understand the types of compensation you’re entitled to. Massachusetts law allows for the recovery of various types of damages, including compensatory and non-compensatory damages, reflecting the diverse impacts a motor vehicle accident can have on your life.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the quantifiable financial losses resulting from a car accident. These include

• medical expenses accrued by treatments for injuries from the accident
• future medical expenses when ongoing treatment is needed
• lost wages for time off work during recovery
• any loss of earning capacity if the injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work

Additionally, you can seek compensation for the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident. These damages are typically substantiated by bills, receipts, and employment documents, providing clear evidence of the financial impact of the collision.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages account for the more subjective, non-monetary losses suffered due to a car accident. This category includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, and the physical discomfort and limitations experienced post-accident. 

Unlike economic damages, these are not based on bills or financial loss, but on the severity of the injury, the pain experienced, and how the injuries have affected your daily life. Calculating non-economic damages can be complex, but they are crucial for acknowledging the full extent of the victim’s suffering and for providing fair, holistic compensation.

Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded to punish defendants for reckless behavior and deter future gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Although they are less common in car accident cases, they may apply in instances where the defendant’s particularly reckless or irresponsible conduct led to the accident.

Springfield, MA Car Accident FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Massachusetts?

The statute of limitations for filing an automobile accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. This law mandates that any lawsuit related to personal injury or property damage resulting from a car accident must be filed within this timeframe.

Failing to file within this period typically results in losing  your right to seek compensation, as courts are likely to dismiss a personal injury lawsuit brought after the deadline.

Who should I sue after a car accident?

When determining who  you should sue after a car accident, you must consider various factors, including the specifics of the accident, the parties involved, and who was at fault. Generally, the at-fault driver is the primary defendant in a car accident lawsuit.

However, other parties can be considered, such as:

• the driver’s employer (in cases where the driver was working at the time of the accident)
• the vehicle manufacturer (if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident)
• a government entity (if poor road conditions played a role)

It’s essential to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize the compensation you may receive. 

How long does a car accident lawsuit typically take in Massachusetts?

The duration of a car accident lawsuit in Massachusetts can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the case, the clarity of fault, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of parties to negotiate. A straightforward case with clear liability and willing insurance companies might reach a settlement in a few months. 

However, if the personal injury case is complex, involves severe injuries, or proceeds to trial, it could take several years to resolve. Factors contributing to the timeline include the extent of the investigation needed, the duration of medical treatment, the court’s schedule, and the time required for negotiation or mediation. 

Talk with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Serving Springfield, MA at Carter Mario Law Firm Today

Don’t let the aftermath of a car accident overwhelm you. At the Carter Mario Law Firm, our seasoned car accident attorneys have the knowledge and dedication required to advocate for your rights and strive for the compensation you deserve. 

Our personal injury team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can impose and are here to shoulder the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our Zero-Fee Warranty ensures that you can seek our top-tier legal representation without the stress of upfront costs, embodying our commitment to accessibility and your success.

Contact us at Carter Mario Law Firm today to talk with a car accident attorney serving Springfield, MA.